The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, walked around 100 metres from the Kumasi Traditional Council meeting grounds to the Asantehemaa’s Palace on Thursday to properly welcome the newly enstooled Asantehemaa, Nana Ama Bonsu, in keeping with centuries-old Asante tradition.
The momentous event, which took place in Kumasi’s Manhyia Palace, was another significant turning point in the education of Nana Ama Bonsu, the 15th Asantehemaa and successor to the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
In front of hundreds of chiefs, queen mothers, dignitaries, and fervent well-wishers, the Asantehene personally walked to the Queen Mother’s Palace after presiding over a meeting of the Kumasi Traditional Council. There, he received Nana Ama Bonsu in a magnificent royal ceremony.
The new Asantehemaa was showered with talcum powder, a symbolic expression of blessings, honour, and monarchy, while ladies dressed mostly in traditional black and red costumes sang and danced, creating an exciting environment.
As a direct descendant of Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I, Nana Ama Bonsu may trace her royal ancestry to one of the most illustrious families in Asante history. During the Anglo-Asante War, the British banished Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I and the fabled Nana Yaa Asantewaa to the Seychelles Islands.
She is also the biological sister of the late Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Nana Akwasi Agyeman, and the niece of Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II.
Nana Ama Bonsu was brought on foot from her family home, which is across from the Manhyia Palace, to the Asantehemaa’s official palace in accordance with Asante protocol.
Another important custom was fulfilled when the Asantehene’s linguist, Baffour Kantankrakyi, took her inside the palace, sat her on the official stool, and formally notified her of her enstoolment.
In order to legally confirm Nana Ama Bonsu’s status as the 15th Asantehemaa and the second-highest traditional authority in the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will present her before the Asanteman Council at the end of the enstoolment procedure.
Hundreds of chiefs, queen mothers, traditional leaders, and locals attended the ceremony, which highlighted the event’s cultural significance and marked the beginning of a new era in Asanteman’s leadership.
After being formally introduced, Nana Ama Bonsu will take on the stool name Nana Yaa Akyea II.
Source: newsthemegh.com